How to Get a Gasoline Smell out of the Washing Machine

Once you get gasoline in the washing machine, you may think you'll have to relocate to get rid of the odor. An explosion or fire can result from washing gasoline or oil-soaked items in your washing machine. If you’ve avoided an explosion, you’ll have to clean the washer so your next load of clothing doesn’t reek. Household products can eliminate the smell so you can use the washer without holding your nose or risking your safety.

1

Place old towels or textiles of low value in the washer to make a normal load.

2

Start the load of laundry with a warm wash and cold rinse. Open the washer lid once the machine fills with water.

3

Add 2 cups of white vinegar and 1 cup of baking soda to the water.

4

Cycle the washing machine through the normal wash, rinse and spin.

5

Open the washer once the spin cycle completes. Remove the towels or textiles and sniff for remaining gasoline odor.

6

Repeat the process if you can still smell gasoline odor inside the washer. Add a detergent suitable for your washer along with an additional 2 cups of white vinegar and 1 cup of baking soda.

7

Hang the items to dry outdoors if any gasoline odor remains. The fresh air helps remove the odor and is safer than using the dryer when there is the potential that flammable gas fumes remain.

Things You Will Need

Towels or low-value textiles

White vinegar

Baking soda

Laundry detergent

Tip

If you spill gasoline on textiles, pretreat and wash fabrics by hand until you no longer smell the gasoline.

Wipe white vinegar on the laundry basket or any area that held the gasoline-soaked fabrics. This may be an additional source for the odor.

Warning

Don’t use gasoline as a solvent to remove stains on textiles, warns Cornell University. Dry-cleaning solvents are available that are safe and effective.

About the Author

Linda Richard has been a legal writer and antiques appraiser for more than 25 years, and has been writing online for more than 12 years. Richard holds a bachelor's degree in English and business administration. She has operated a small business for more than 20 years. She and her husband enjoy remodeling old houses and are currently working on a 1970s home.